Is what I say confidential?One of the practices implemented in an effort to facilitate an open, honest, and safe exchange of information between the therapist and client is adherence to standards of confidentiality. Practices of confidentiality are meant to support respect for the privacy and dignity of the individual by preventing the unnecessary dissemination of identifiable information about the client and the content of his/her therapy sessions. For example, records are stored electronically and protected and managed in accordance with RIT Security Standards and applicable laws and ethical standards. No record of counseling is contained in any academic, educational, or job placement file.

Generally, information will not be disclosed, or released to individuals outside of the Counseling Center without your written or verbal permission and authorization. However, confidentiality as a practice is not the same as absolute secrecy. Perhaps it is best understood as an assurance, backed by professional standards and ethical codes as well as by applicable state laws, that disclosure of any information is regulated such that it is not automatic, frequent, or routine. While restricted, disclosure of information is nevertheless permitted and at times mandated by law without the consent of the client in the following instances:

Your therapist may consult with other Counseling Center, Wellness, NTID Counseling and Advising, or Student Health Center staff or other appropriate individuals outside of the RIT Counseling Center in order to provide the best possible care and services to you or for the purpose of training another therapist.

If your therapist has determined in his/her professional opinion that there is evidence that you might cause or be in danger of imminent harm to yourself or others, your therapist has a legal and ethical duty to take action to try to prevent that harm which will include disclosure of necessary information to professionals (including potentially Public Safety, county sheriffs, ambulance crew, and emergency hospital staff) who are responsible for facilitating the immediate safety of you and/or others.

New York State law requires that staff of the Counseling Center who know or suspect physical or sexual abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or disabled person must report this information to the appropriate state agencies.

A court order, issued by a judge, may require the Counseling Center staff to release information about you contained in our records and/or require a therapist to testify about you in a court hearing.

The New York State Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act requires mental health professionals to report to the County Mental Health Office background information on any individual in treatment who in their reasonable professional judgment is likely to engage in conduct that will cause serious harm to self or others.

It is important to appreciate that in all these cases, disclosure will be limited to the minimum number of individuals and the minimum information necessary to achieve the purpose of the disclosure (i.e., only need to know information to need to know persons).

How do I
make an appointment?Scheduling an initial consultation appointment is quite easy. Simply call (585) 475-2261 or stop by the Counseling Center. Please let us know immediately if this is an emergency situation.

Following this initial conversation, a counselor will briefly explain appropriate next steps. These might include: scheduling a follow-up appointment; assignment to a therapy group, or referral to another RIT office for services.

The power of groups: A growing treatment recommendation for many students is one of the Center's extremely popular workshops or counseling groups. RIT offers students one of the largest group counseling programs in New York State. Research and student testimonials demonstrate that groups are an extremely effective way for individuals to grow and change together.

On occasion, students are referred to community resources for specialized or continued counseling. In such instances, the Center will assist them in locating a suitable resource.

Am I eligible
for services? You are eligible for full services (individual, couples,
or group counseling) if you are:

a registered full-time undergraduate or graduate student

a registered part-time matriculated student

Where is
the Counseling Center located?The Counseling Center is located on the second floor
of the August Center (AUG).

What do
I do in case of an emergency?If the emergency is life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Day-time Emergencies:
For emergencies during business hours (8:30 am – 4:30 pm), call (585) 475-2261 or come to the Counseling Center and identify the situation as an emergency. If you or someone else is in physical danger, call Public Safety: (585) 475-3333. Do not use e-mail in an emergency.